Description
Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin is a rich and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-infused sauce, cheddar cheese, and fresh thyme. Baked until golden and bubbly, this gratin is perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery flavor.
- Simmer Cream and Seasonings: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Gently simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove any thyme sprigs before proceeding.
- Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly and evenly slice the potatoes to ensure they cook uniformly in the gratin.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the buttered baking dish. Pour some of the garlic cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layering until all potatoes, cream, and cheese are used. Finish with an extra layer of cheese on top and dot the surface with butter pieces.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signifying a perfectly cooked gratin.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes outside the oven to set up for easier serving and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes uniformly thin using a mandoline.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before the final 20 minutes of baking.
